partial fractions sample problems practice problems
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Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 1
Sample Problems
Compute each of the following integrals.
1.Z
1
x2 � 4 dx
2.Z
2x
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)dx
3.Z
x+ 5
x2 � 2x� 3 dx
4.Zx4 + x3 � 5x2 + 26x� 21
x2 + 3x� 4 dx
5.Z
x2 + x� 3(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) dx
6.Z
2x� 1(x� 5)2
dx
7.Z
x+ 3
(x� 1)3dx
8.Z
x4
x4 � 1 dx
9.Zsecx dx
10.Zcschx dx
Practice Problems
1.Z
1
x2 + 3xdx
2.Z
x� 5x2 � 2x� 8 dx
3.Z
1
x2 � a2 dx
4.Zx� 1x2 � 4 dx
5.Zx� 1x2 + 4
dx
6.Z
x2
x2 + 2x� 3 dx
7.Z2x3 � x2 � 10x� 4
x2 � 4 dx
8.Z
5x� 17x2 � 6x+ 9 dx
9.Z2x2 + 7x+ 3
x2 + 1dx
10.Z
2x2 � x+ 20(x� 2) (x2 + 9) dx
11.Z
x4
x4 � 16 dx
12.Z2x+ 1
x2 + 1dx
13.Z
x2 + 2
x (x2 + 6)dx
14.Z �x+ 6(x+ 3)2
dx
15.Z2x� 3x2 + 9
dx
16.Zx2 + 2x� 1x3 � x dx
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 2
Sample Problems - Answers
1.)1
4ln jx� 2j � 1
4ln jx+ 2j+ C 2.)
3
4ln jx+ 3j � 1
12ln j3x+ 1j+ C 3.) 2 ln jx� 3j � ln jx+ 1j+ C
4.)x3
3� x2 + 5x+ 13
5ln jx+ 4j+ 2
5ln jx� 1j+ C 5.) �1
6ln jx+ 1j � 1
3ln jx� 2j+ 2
3ln jx� 5j+ C
6.) 2 ln jx� 5j � 9
x� 5 + C 7.) � 1
x� 1 �2
(x� 1)2+ C =
�x� 1(x� 1)2
+ C
8.) x� 12arctanx� 1
4ln jx+ 1j+ 1
4ln jx� 1j+ C 9.) ln jsecx+ tanxj+ C = � ln jsecx� tanxj+ C
10.) ln jex � 1j � ln (ex + 1) + C
Practice Problems - Answers
1.)1
3ln jxj � 1
3ln jx+ 3j+ C 2.)
7
6ln jx+ 2j � 1
6ln jx� 4j+ C 3.)
1
2aln jx� aj � 1
2aln jx+ aj+ C
4.)1
4ln jx� 2j+ 3
4ln jx+ 2j+ C 5.)
1
2ln�x2 + 4
�� 12tan�1
1
2x+ C
6.) x+1
4ln jx� 1j � 9
4ln jx+ 3j+ C 7.) x2 � x� 3 ln jx� 2j+ ln jx+ 2j+ C
8.) 5 ln jx� 3j+ 2
x� 3 + C 9.) 2x+7
2ln�x2 + 1
�+ tan�1 x+ C
10.) 2 ln jx� 2j � 13tan�1
x
3+ C 11.) x+
1
2ln jx� 2j � 1
2ln jx+ 2j � tan�1 x
2+ C
12.) tan�1 x+ ln�x2 + 1
�+ C 13.)
1
3ln��x3 + 6x��+ C 14.) � ln jx+ 3j � 9
x+ 3+ C
15.) ln�x2 + 9
�� tan�1 x
3+ C 16.) ln jxj+ ln jx� 1j � ln jx+ 1j+ C
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 3
Sample Problems - Solutions
Compute each of the following integrals.
1.Z
1
x2 � 4 dx
Solution: We factor the denominator: x2 � 4 = (x+ 2) (x� 2). Next, we re-write the fraction1
x2 � 4 as asum (or di¤erence) of fractions with denominators x+ 2 and x� 2. This means that we need to solve for Aand B in the equation
A
x+ 2+
B
x� 2 =1
x2 � 4To simplify the left-hand side, we bring the fractions to the common denominator:
A (x� 2)(x+ 2) (x� 2) +
B (x+ 2)
(x� 2) (x+ 2) =Ax� 2A+Bx+ 2B
x2 � 4 =(A+B)x� 2A+ 2B
x2 � 4
Thus we have(A+B)x� 2A+ 2B
x2 � 4 =1
x2 � 4We clear the denominators by multiplication
(A+B)x� 2A+ 2B = 1
The equation above is about two polynomials: they are equal to each other as functions and so they must beidentical, coe¢ cint by coe¢ cient. In other words,
(A+B)x� 2A+ 2B = 0x+ 1
This gives us an equation for each coe¢ cient, forming a system of linear equations:
A+B = 0
�2A+ 2B = 1
We solve this system and obtain A = �14and B =
1
4.
So our fraction,1
x2 � 4 can be re-written as�14
x+ 2+
1
4x� 2 . We check:
�14
x+ 2+
1
4x� 2 =
�14(x� 2)
(x+ 2) (x� 2) +1
4(x+ 2)
(x� 2) (x+ 2) =�14(x� 2) + 1
4(x+ 2)
(x+ 2) (x� 2) =�14x+
1
2+1
4x+
1
2(x+ 2) (x� 2)
=1
x2 � 4
Now we can easily integrate:
Z1
x2 � 4 dx =Z �1
4x+ 2
+
1
4x� 2 dx = �
1
4
Z1
x+ 2dx+
1
4
Z1
x� 2 dx = �14ln jx+ 2j+ 1
4ln jx� 2j+ C
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 4
Method 2: The values of A and B can be found using a slightly di¤erent method as follows. Consider �rstthe equation
A
x+ 2+
B
x� 2 =1
x2 � 4We bring the fractions to the common denominator:
A (x� 2)(x+ 2) (x� 2) +
B (x+ 2)
(x� 2) (x+ 2) =1
x2 � 4
and then multiply both sides by the denominator:
A (x� 2) +B (x+ 2) = 1
The equation above is about two functions; the two sides must be equal for all values of x. Let us substitutex = 2 into both sides:
A (0) +B (4) = 1
B =1
4
Let us substitute x = �2 into both sides:
A (�4) +B (0) = 1
A = �14
and so A = �14and B =
1
4.
2.Z
2x
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)dx
Solution: We re-write the fraction2x
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)as a sum (or di¤erence) of fractions with denominators
x+ 3 and 3x+ 1. This means that we need to solve for A and B in the equation
A
x+ 3+
B
3x+ 1=
2x
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)
To simplify the left-hand side, we bring the fractions to the common denominator:
A
x+ 3+
B
3x+ 1=
A (3x+ 1)
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)+
B (x+ 3)
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)=A (3x+ 1) +B (x+ 3)
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)=3Ax+A+Bx+ 3B
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)
=(3A+B)x+A+ 3B
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)
Thus we have(3A+B)x+A+ 3B
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)=
2x
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)
We clear the denominators by multiplication
(3A+B)x+A+ 3B = 2x
The equation above is about two polynomials: they are equal to each other as functions and so they must beidentical, coe¢ cint by coe¢ cient. In other words,
(3A+B)x+A+ 3B = 2x+ 0
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 5
This gives us an equation for each coe¢ cient, forming a system of linear equations:
3A+B = 2
A+ 3B = 0
We solve this system and obtain A =3
4and B = �1
4.
So our fraction,2x
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)can be re-written as
3
4x+ 3
+�14
3x+ 1. We check:
3
4x+ 3
+�14
3x+ 1=
3
4(3x+ 1)
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)+
�14(x+ 3)
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)=
3
4(3x+ 1)� 1
4(x+ 3)
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)=
9
4x+
3
4� 14x� 3
4(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)
=2x
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)
Now we can easily integrate:
Z2x
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)dx =
Z 3
4x+ 3
+�14
3x+ 1dx =
3
4
Z1
x+ 3dx�1
4
Z1
3x+ 1dx =
3
4ln jx+ 3j � 1
12ln j3x+ 1j+ C
The second integral can be computed using the substitution u = 3x+ 1.
Method 2: The values of A and B can be found using a slightly di¤erent method as follows. Consider �rstthe equation
A
x+ 3+
B
3x+ 1=
2x
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)
We bring the fractions to the common denominator:
A (3x+ 1)
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)+
B (x+ 3)
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)=
2x
(x+ 3) (3x+ 1)
and then multiply both sides by the denominator:
A (3x+ 1) +B (x+ 3) = 2x
The equation above is about two functions; the two sides must be equal for all values of x. Let us substitute
x = �13into both sides:
A (0) +B
��13+ 3
�= 2
��13
�8
3B = �2
3
B = �14
Let us substitute x = �3 into both sides:
A (3 (�3) + 1) +B (�3 + 3) = 2 (�3)�8A+B (0) = �6
�8A = �6
A =3
4
and so A =3
4and B = �1
4.
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 6
3.Z
x+ 5
x2 � 2x� 3 dx
Solution: We factor the denominator: x2�2x�3 = (x+ 1) (x� 3). Next, we re-write the fraction x+ 5
x2 � 2x� 3as a sum (or di¤erence) of fractions with denominators x + 1 and x � 3. This means that we need to solvefor A and B in the equation
A
x+ 1+
B
x� 3 =x+ 5
x2 � 2x� 3To simplify the left-hand side, we bring the fractions to the common denominator:
A (x� 3)(x+ 1) (x� 3) +
B (x+ 1)
(x� 3) (x+ 1) =Ax� 3A+Bx+B
x2 � 2x� 3 =(A+B)x� 3A+B
x2 � 2x� 3
Thus(A+B)x� 3A+B
x2 � 2x� 3 =x+ 5
x2 � 2x� 3We clear the denominators by multiplication
(A+B)x� 3A+B = x+ 5
The equation above is about two polynomials: they are equal to each other as functions and so they must beidentical, coe¢ cint by coe¢ cient. This gives us an equation for each coe¢ cient, forming a system of linearequations:
A+B = 1
�3A+B = 5
We solve the system and obtain A = �1 and B = 2.
So we have that our fraction,x+ 5
x2 � 2x� 3 can be re-written as�1x+ 1
+2
x� 3 . We check:
�1x+ 1
+2
x� 3 =�1 (x� 3)
(x+ 1) (x� 3) +2 (x+ 1)
(x� 3) (x+ 1) =� (x� 3) + 2 (x+ 1)(x+ 1) (x� 3) =
�x+ 3 + 2x+ 2x2 � 2x� 3 =
x+ 5
x2 � 2x� 3
Now we can easily integrate:Zx+ 5
x2 � 2x� 3 dx =Z �1x+ 1
+2
x� 3 dx = �Z
1
x+ 1dx+ 2
Z1
x� 3 dx = � ln jx+ 1j+ 2 ln jx� 3j+ C
Method 2: The values of A and B can be found using a slightly di¤erent method as follows. Consider �rstthe equation
A
x+ 1+
B
x� 3 =x+ 5
x2 � 2x� 3We bring the fractions to the common denominator:
A (x� 3)(x� 3) (x+ 1) +
B (x+ 1)
(x� 3) (x+ 1) =x+ 5
x2 � 2x� 3
and then multiply both sides by the denominator:
A (x� 3) +B (x+ 1) = x+ 5
The equation above is about two functions; the two sides must be equal for all values of x. Let us substitutex = 3 into both sides:
A (0) +B (4) = 3 + 5
4B = 8
B = 2
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 7
Let us substitute x = �1 into both sides:
A (�4) +B (0) = �1 + 5�4A = 4
A = �1
and so A = �1 and B = 2.
4.Zx4 + x3 � 5x2 + 26x� 21
x2 + 3x� 4 dx
Solution: This rational function is an improper fraction since the numerator has a higher degree than thedenominator. We �rst perform long division. This process is similar to long division among numbers. For
example, to simplify38
7; we perform the long division 38� 7 = 5 R 3 which is the same thing as to say that
38
7= 5
3
7. The division:
x2 � 2x + 5x2 + 3x � 4 ) x4 + x3 � 5x2 + 26x � 21
�x4 � 3x3 + 4x2
� 2x3 � x2 + 26x � 212x3 + 6x2 � 8x
5x2 + 18x � 21� 5x2 � 15x + 20
3x � 1
Step 1:x4
x2= x2
x2�x2 + 3x� 4
�= x4 + 3x3 � 4x2
��x4 + 3x3 � 4x2
�= �x4 � 3x3 + 4x2
We add that to the original polynomial shown above.
Step 2:�2x3x2
= �2x
�2x�x2 + 3x� 4
�= �2x3 � 6x2 + 8x
�1��2x3 � 6x2 + 8x
�= 2x3 + 6x2 � 8x
We add that to the original polynomial shown above.
Step 3:5x2
x2= 5
5�x2 + 3x� 4
�= 5x2 + 15x� 20
�1�5x2 + 15x� 20
�= �5x2 � 15x+ 20
We add that to the original polynomial shown above.
The result of this computation is that
x4 + x3 � 5x2 + 26x� 21x2 + 3x� 4 = x2 � 2x+ 5 + 3x� 1
x2 + 3x� 4
very much like38
7= 5 +
3
7. Thus
Zx4 + x3 � 5x2 + 26x� 21
x2 + 3x� 4 dx =
Zx2 � 2x+ 5 + 3x� 1
x2 + 3x� 4 dx =Zx2 � 2x+ 5 dx+
Z3x� 1
x2 + 3x� 4 dx
=x3
3� x2 + 5x+ C1 +
Z3x� 1
x2 + 3x� 4 dx
We apply the method of partial fractions to computeZ
3x� 1x2 + 3x� 4 dx.
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 8
We factor the denominator: x2 + 3x � 4 = (x+ 4) (x� 1). Next, we re-write the fraction3x� 1
x2 + 3x� 4 as asum (or di¤erence) of fractions with denominators x+ 4 and x� 1. This means that we need to solve for Aand B in the equation
A
x+ 4+
B
x� 1 =3x� 1
x2 + 3x� 4To simplify the left-hand side, we bring the fractions to the common denominator:
A (x� 1)(x+ 4) (x� 1) +
B (x+ 4)
(x+ 4) (x� 1) =Ax�A+Bx+ 4B
x2 + 3x� 4 =(A+B)x�A+ 4B
x2 + 3x� 4
Thus(A+B)x�A+ 4B
x2 + 3x� 4 =3x� 1
x2 + 3x� 4We clear the denominators by multiplication
(A+B)x�A+ 4B = 3x� 1
The equation above is about two polynomials: they are equal to each other as functions and so they must beidentical, coe¢ cint by coe¢ cient. This gives us an equation for each coe¢ cient that forms a system of linearequations:
A+B = 3
�A+ 4B = �1
We solve the system and obtain A =13
5and B =
2
5.
So our fraction,3x� 1
x2 + 3x� 4 can be re-written as13
5x+ 4
+
2
5x� 1 . We check:
13
5x+ 4
+
2
5x� 1 =
13
5(x� 1)
(x+ 1) (x� 4) +2
5(x+ 4)
(x� 4) (x+ 1) =13
5(x� 1) + 2
5(x+ 4)
(x+ 1) (x� 4)
=
13
5x� 13
5+2
5x+
8
5(x+ 1) (x� 4) =
15
5x� 5
5x2 + 3x� 4 =
3x� 1x2 + 3x� 4
Now we can easily integrate:
Z3x� 1
x2 + 3x� 4 dx =
Z 13
5x+ 4
+
2
5x� 1 dx =
Z 13
5x+ 4
dx+
Z 2
5x� 1 dx
=13
5
Z1
x+ 4dx+
2
5
Z1
x� 1 dx =13
5ln jx+ 4j+ 2
5ln jx� 1j+ C
Thus the �nal answer isZx4 + x3 � 5x2 + 26x� 21
x2 + 3x� 4 dx =
=x3
3� x2 + 5x+ C1 +
Z3x� 1
x2 + 3x� 4 dx =x3
3� x2 + 5x+ C1 +
13
5ln jx+ 4j+ 2
5ln jx� 1j+ C2
=x3
3� x2 + 5x+ 13
5ln jx+ 4j+ 2
5ln jx� 1j+ C
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 9
Method 2: The values of A and B can be found using a slightly di¤erent method as follows. Consider �rstthe equation
A
x+ 4+
B
x� 1 =3x� 1
x2 + 3x� 4We bring the fractions to the common denominator:
A (x� 1)(x+ 4) (x� 1) +
B (x+ 4)
(x+ 4) (x� 1) =3x� 1
(x+ 1) (x� 4)
and then multiply both sides by the denominator:
A (x� 1) +B (x+ 4) = 3x� 1
The equation above is about two functions; the two sides must be equal for all values of x. Let us substitutex = 1 into both sides:
A (1� 1) +B (1 + 4) = 3x� 1A � 0 +B � 5 = 3 � 1� 1
5B = 2
B =2
5
Let us substitute x = �4 into both sides:
A (�4� 1) +B (�4 + 4) = 3 (�4)� 1�5A = �13
A =13
5
and so A =4
5and B =
11
5.
5.Z
x2 + x� 3(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) dx
Solution: We re-write the fractionx2 + x� 3
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) as a sum (or di¤erence) of fractions with denomi-
nators x+ 1, x� 2 and x� 5. This means that we need to solve for A, B, and C in the equation
A
x+ 1+
B
x� 2 +C
x� 5 =x2 + x� 3
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)
To simplify the left-hand side, we bring the fractions to the common denominator:
A
x+ 1+
B
x� 2 +C
x� 5 =A (x� 2) (x� 5)
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) +B (x+ 1) (x� 5)
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) +C (x+ 1) (x� 2)
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)
=A�x2 � 7x+ 10
�(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) +
B�x2 � 4x� 5
�(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) +
C�x2 � x� 2
�(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)
=A�x2 � 7x+ 10
�+B
�x2 � 4x� 5
�+ C
�x2 � x� 2
�(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)
=Ax2 � 7Ax+ 10A+Bx2 � 4Bx� 5B + Cx2 � Cx� 2C
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)
=(A+B + C)x2 + (�7A� 4B � C)x+ 10A� 5B � 2C
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 10
Thus(A+B + C)x2 + (�7A� 4B � C)x+ 10A� 5B � 2C
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) =x2 + x� 3
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)We clear the denominators by multiplication
(A+B + C)x2 + (�7A� 4B � C)x+ 10A� 5B � 2C = x2 + x� 3
The equation above is about two polynomials: they are equal to each other as functions and so they must beidentical, coe¢ cint by coe¢ cient. We have an equation for each coe¢ cient that gives us a system of linearequations:
A + B + C = 1�7A � 4B � C = 110A � 5B � 2C = �3
We solve the system by elimination: �rst we will eliminate C from the second and third equations. Toeliminate C from the second equation, we simply add the �rst and second equations.
A + B + C = 1
�7A � 4B � C = 1
�6A � 3B = 2
To eliminate C from the third equation, we multiply the �rst equation by 2 and add that to the third equation.
2A + 2B + 2C = 2
10A � 5B � 2C = � 312A � 3B = � 1
We now have a system of linear equations in two variables:
�6A� 3B = 2
12A� 3B = �1
We will eliminate B by adding the opposite of the �rst equation to the second equation.
6A + 3B = � 212A � 3B = � 1
18A = � 3
A = � 16
Using the equation 6A+ 3B = �2 we can now solve for B.
6
��16
�+ 3B = �2
�1 + 3B = �23B = �1
B = �13
Using the �rst equation, we can now solve for C.
A+B + C = 1
�16+
��13
�+ C = 1
�12+ C = 1
C =3
2
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 11
Thus A = �16, B = �1
3, and C =
3
2
So we have that our fraction,x2 + x� 3
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) can be re-written as�16
x+ 1+
�13
x� 2 +3
2x� 5 . We check:
�16
x+ 1+
�13
x� 2 +3
2x� 5 =
�16(x� 2) (x� 5)
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) +�13(x+ 1) (x� 5)
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) +3
2(x+ 1) (x� 2)
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)
=�16(x� 2) (x� 5)� 1
3(x+ 1) (x� 5) + 3
2(x+ 1) (x� 2)
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)
=�16
�x2 � 7x+ 10
�� 13
�x2 � 4x� 5
�+3
2
�x2 � x� 2
�(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)
=�16x2 +
7
6x� 5
3� 13x2 +
4
3x+
5
3+3
2x2 � 3
2x� 3
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)
=
��16� 13+3
2
�x2 +
�7
6+4
3� 32
�x� 5
3+5
3� 3
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)
=x2 + x� 3
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)Now we can easily integrate:
Zx2 + x� 3
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) dx =
Z �16
x+ 1+
�13
x� 2 +3
2x� 5 dx
= �16
Z1
x+ 1dx� 1
3
Z1
x� 2 dx+3
2
Z1
x� 5 dx
= �16ln jx+ 1j � 1
3ln jx� 2j+ 2
3ln jx� 5j+ C
Method 2: The values of A; B, and C can be found using a slightly di¤erent method as follows. Consider�rst the equation
A
x+ 1+
B
x� 2 +C
x� 5 =x2 + x� 3
(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)We bring the fractions to the common denominator:
A (x� 2) (x� 5)(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) +
B (x+ 1) (x� 5)(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) +
C (x+ 1) (x� 2)(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5) =
x2 + x� 3(x+ 1) (x� 2) (x� 5)
and then multiply both sides by the denominator:
A (x� 2) (x� 5) +B (x+ 1) (x� 5) + C (x+ 1) (x� 2) = x2 + x� 3
The equation above is about two functions; the two sides must be equal for all values of x. Let us substitutex = 2 into both sides:
A (2� 2) (2� 5) +B (2 + 1) (2� 5) + C (2 + 1) (2� 2) = 22 + 2� 30A� 9B + 0C = 3
�9B = 3
B = �13
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 12
Let us substitute x = �1 into both sides:
A (�1� 2) (�1� 5) +B (�1 + 1) (�1� 5) + C (�1 + 1) (�1� 2) = (�1)2 + (�1)� 3A (�3) (�6) + 0B + 0C = �3
18A = �3
A = �16
Let us substitute x = 5 into both sides:
A (5� 2) (5� 5) +B (5 + 1) (5� 5) + C (5 + 1) (5� 2) = 52 + 5� 3A (0) +B (0) + C (6) (3) = 27
18C = 27
C =3
2
and so A = �16, B = �1
3, and C =
2
3.
6.Z
2x� 1(x� 5)2
dx
Solution: We will re-write the fraction2x� 1(x� 5)2
as a sum (or di¤erence) of fractions with denominators x� 5
and (x� 5)2. This means that we need to solve for A and B in the equation
A
x� 5 +B
(x� 5)2=
2x� 1(x� 5)2
To simplify the left-hand side, we bring the fractions to the common denominator:
A
x� 5 +B
(x� 5)2=A (x� 5)(x� 5)2
+B
(x� 5)2=A (x� 5) +B(x� 5)2
=Ax� 5A+B(x� 5)2
Thus we haveAx� 5A+B(x� 5)2
=2x� 1(x� 5)2
We clear the denominators by multiplication
Ax� 5A+B = 2x� 1
The equation above is about two polynomials: they are equal to each other as functions and so they must beidentical, coe¢ cint by coe¢ cient. This gives us an equation for each coe¢ cient, forming a system of linearequations:
A = 2
�5A+B = �1
We solve this system and obtain A = 2 and B = 9.
So our fraction,2x� 1(x� 5)2
can be re-written as2
x� 5 +9
(x� 5)2. We check:
2
x� 5 +9
(x� 5)2=2 (x� 5)(x� 5)2
+9
(x� 5)2=2x� 10 + 9(x� 5)2
=2x� 1(x� 5)2
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 13
Now we can easily integrate:Z2x� 1(x� 5)2
dx =
Z2
x� 5 +9
(x� 5)2dx = 2
Z1
x� 5 dx+ 9Z
1
(x� 5)2dx = 2 ln jx� 5j � 9
x� 5 + C
Method 2: The values of A and B can be found using a slightly di¤erent method as follows. Consider �rstthe equation
A
x� 5 +B
(x� 5)2=
2x� 1(x� 5)2
We bring the fractions to the common denominator:
A (x� 5)(x� 5)2
+B
(x� 5)2=
2x� 1(x� 5)2
and then multiply both sides by the denominator:
A (x� 5) +B = 2x� 1
The equation above is about two functions; the two sides must be equal for all values of x. Let us substitutex = 5 into both sides:
A (0) +B = 9
B = 9
The other value of x can be arbitrarily chosen. (There is no value that would eliminate B from the equation.)For easy substitution, let us substitute x = 0 into both sides and also substitute B = 9:
A (�5) + 9 = �1�5A = �10A = 2
and so A = 2 and B = 9.
7.Z
x+ 3
(x� 1)3dx
Solution: We re-write the fractionx+ 3
(x� 1)3as a sum (or di¤erence) of fractions with denominators x � 1,
(x� 1)2 and (x� 1)3. This means that we need to solve for A, B, and C in the equation
A
x� 1 +B
(x� 1)2+
C
(x� 1)3=
x+ 3
(x� 1)3
To simplify the left-hand side, we bring the fractions to the common denominator:
A
x� 1 +B
(x� 1)2+
C
(x� 1)3=
A (x� 1)2
(x� 1)3+B (x� 1)(x� 1)3
+C
(x� 1)3=A (x� 1)2 +B (x� 1) + C
(x� 1)3
=A�x2 � 2x+ 1
�+B (x� 1) + C
(x� 1)3=Ax2 � 2Ax+A+Bx�B + C
(x� 1)3
=Ax2 + (�2A+B)x+A�B + C
(x� 1)3
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 14
ThusAx2 + (�2A+B)x+A�B + C
(x� 1)3=
x+ 3
(x� 1)3
We clear the denominators by multiplication
Ax2 + (�2A+B)x+A�B + C = x+ 3
The equation above is about two polynomials: they are equal to each other as functions and so they must beidentical, coe¢ cint by coe¢ cient. We have an equation for each coe¢ cient that gives us a system of linearequations:
A = 0�2A + B = 1A � B + C = 3
Since A = 0; this is really a system in two variables:
B = 1
�B + C = 3
We solve this system and obtain B = 1 and C = 4.
So our fraction,x+ 3
(x� 1)3can be re-written as
1
(x� 1)2+
4
(x� 1)3. We check:
1
(x� 1)2+
4
(x� 1)3=1 (x� 1)(x� 1)3
+4
(x� 1)3=x� 1 + 4(x� 1)3
=x+ 3
(x� 1)3
Now we can easily integrate:Zx+ 3
(x� 1)3dx =
Z1
(x� 1)2+
4
(x� 1)3dx =
Z1
(x� 1)2dx+ 4
Z1
(x� 1)3dx
= � 1
x� 1 �4
2� 1
(x� 1)2+ C = � 1
x� 1 �2
(x� 1)2+ C
=�1 (x� 1)(x� 1)2
� 2
(x� 1)2+ C =
�x+ 1� 2(x� 1)2
+ C =�x� 1(x� 1)2
+ C
Both �nal answers are acceptable.
Method 2: The values of A; B, and C can be found using a slightly di¤erent method as follows. Consider�rst the equation
A
x� 1 +B
(x� 1)2+
C
(x� 1)3=
x+ 3
(x� 1)3
We bring the fractions to the common denominator:
A (x� 1)2
(x� 1)3+B (x� 1)(x� 1)3
+C
(x� 1)3=
x+ 3
(x� 1)3
and then multiply both sides by the denominator:
A (x� 1)2 +B (x� 1) + C = x+ 3
The equation above is about two functions; the two sides must be equal for all values of x. Let us substitutex = 1 into both sides:
A (0) +B (0) + C = 1 + 3
C = 4
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 15
There is no value other than 1 that would eliminate A or B from the equation. Our method will still work.For easy substitution, let us substitute x = 0 into both sides and also substitute C = 4:
A (x� 1)2 +B (x� 1) + C = x+ 3
A (0� 1)2 +B (0� 1) + 4 = 0 + 3
A�B + 4 = 3
A�B = �1
Let us substitute x = 2 into both sides:
A (x� 1)2 +B (x� 1) + C = x+ 3
A (2� 1)2 +B (2� 1) + 4 = 2 + 3
A+B + 4 = 5
A+B = 1
We now solve the system of equations
A�B = �1A+B = 1
and obtain A = 0 and B = 1. Recall that we already have C = 4.
8.Z
x4
x4 � 1 dx
Solution: This rational function is an improper fraction since the numerator has the same degree as thedenominator. We �rst perform long division. This one is an easy one; the method featured below is calledsmuggling.
x4
x4 � 1 =x4 � 1 + 1x4 � 1 =
x4 � 1x4 � 1 +
1
x4 � 1 = 1 +1
x4 � 1Thus Z
x4
x4 � 1 dx =Z1 +
1
x4 � 1 dx =Z1 dx+
Z1
x4 � 1 dx = x+ C1 +Z
1
x4 � 1 dx
We apply the method of partial fractions to computeZ
1
x4 � 1 dx.
We factor the denominator: x4� 1 =�x2 + 1
�(x+ 1) (x� 1). Next, we re-write the fraction 1
x4 � 1 as a sum(or di¤erence) of fractions with denominators x2 + 1 and x + 1, and x � 1. In the fraction with quadraticdenominator, the numerator is linear. This means that we need to solve for A and B in the equation
Ax+B
x2 + 1+
C
x+ 1+
D
x� 1 =1
x4 � 1To simplify the left-hand side, we bring the fractions to the common denominator:
Ax+B
x2 + 1+
C
x+ 1+
D
x� 1 =(Ax+B) (x+ 1) (x� 1)(x2 + 1) (x+ 1) (x� 1) +
C�x2 + 1
�(x� 1)
(x2 + 1) (x+ 1) (x� 1) +D�x2 + 1
�(x+ 1)
(x2 + 1) (x+ 1) (x� 1)
=(Ax+B) (x+ 1) (x� 1) + C
�x2 + 1
�(x� 1) +D
�x2 + 1
�(x+ 1)
x4 � 1
=(Ax+B)
�x2 � 1
�+ C
�x3 � x2 + x� 1
�+D
�x3 + x2 + x+ 1
�x4 � 1
=Ax3 +Bx2 �Ax�B + Cx3 � Cx2 + Cx� C +Dx3 +Dx2 +Dx+D
x4 � 1
=(A+ C +D)x3 + (B � C +D)x2 + (�A+ C +D)x�B � C +D
x4 � 1
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 16
Thus(A+ C +D)x3 + (B � C +D)x2 + (�A+ C +D)x�B � C +D
x4 � 1 =1
x4 � 1We clear the denominators by multiplication
(A+ C +D)x3 + (B � C +D)x2 + (�A+ C +D)x�B � C +D = 1
The equation above is about two polynomials: they are equal to each other as functions and so they must beidentical, coe¢ cint by coe¢ cient. This gives us an equation for each coe¢ cient that forms a system of linearequations:
A + C + D = 0B � C + D = 0
�A + C + D = 0� B � C + D = 1
We will solve this system by elimination. First, we will eliminate A using the �rst equation. The secondand fourth equations do not have A in them, so there is nothing to do there. To eliminate A from the thirdequation, we add the �rst one to it.
B � C + D = 02C + 2D = 0
� B � C + D = 1
We now have three equations with three unknowns. We will use the �rst equation to eliminate B. In caseof the second equation, again, there is nothing to do. We add the �rst equation to the third one to eliminateB.
2C + 2D = 0�2C + 2D = 1
Adding the two equations eliminates C and gives us 4D = 1 and so D =1
4. Next, we compute C using the
equation
2C + 2D = 0
2C + 2
�1
4
�= 0
2C = �12
C = �14
We can compute A using the �rst equation, A+ C +D = 0
A+ C +D = 0
A� 14+1
4= 0
A = 0
and we can compute B using the second equation,
B � C +D = 0
B ���14
�+1
4= 0
B = �12
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 17
Thus A = 0; B = �12; C = �1
4; and D =
1
4:
So our fraction,1
x4 � 1 can be re-written as�12
x2 + 1�
1
4x+ 1
+
1
4x� 1 . We check:
�12
x2 + 1�
1
4x+ 1
+
1
4x� 1 =
�12(x+ 1) (x� 1)
(x2 + 1) (x+ 1) (x� 1) �1
4
�x2 + 1
�(x� 1)
(x2 + 1) (x+ 1) (x� 1) +1
4
�x2 + 1
�(x+ 1)
(x2 + 1) (x+ 1) (x� 1)
=�12(x+ 1) (x� 1)� 1
4
�x2 + 1
�(x� 1) + 1
4
�x2 + 1
�(x+ 1)
(x2 + 1) (x+ 1) (x� 1)
=�12
�x2 � 1
�� 14
�x3 � x2 + x� 1
�+1
4
�x3 + x2 + x+ 1
�x4 � 1
�12x2 +
1
2� 14x3 +
1
4x2 � 1
4x+
1
4+1
4x3 +
1
4x2 +
1
4x+
1
4x4 � 1
=
��14+1
4
�x3 +
��12+1
4+1
4
�x2 +
��14+1
4
�x+
1
2+1
4+1
4
x4 � 1 =1
x4 � 1
Now we re-write the integral:
Z1
x4 � 1 dx =
Z �12
x2 + 1�
1
4x+ 1
+
1
4x� 1 dx = �
1
2
Z1
x2 + 1dx� 1
4
Z1
x+ 1dx+
1
4
Z1
x� 1 dx
= �12arctanx� 1
4ln jx+ 1j+ 1
4ln jx� 1j+ C
Thus the �nal answer isZx4
x4 � 1 dx =
Z1 +
x4
x4 � 1 dx =Z1 dx+
Z1
x4 � 1 dx
= x+ C1 �1
2arctanx� 1
4ln jx+ 1j+ 1
4ln jx� 1j+ C2
= x� 12arctanx� 1
4ln jx+ 1j+ 1
4ln jx� 1j+ C
Method 2: The values of A; B; C; and D can be found using a slightly di¤erent method as follows. Consider�rst the equation
Ax+B
x2 + 1+
C
x+ 1+
D
x� 1 =1
x4 � 1We bring the fractions to the common denominator:
(Ax+B) (x+ 1) (x� 1)(x2 + 1) (x+ 1) (x� 1) +
C�x2 + 1
�(x� 1)
(x2 + 1) (x+ 1) (x� 1) +D�x2 + 1
�(x+ 1)
(x2 + 1) (x+ 1) (x� 1) =1
(x2 + 1) (x+ 1) (x� 1)
and then multiply both sides by the denominator:
(Ax+B) (x+ 1) (x� 1) + C�x2 + 1
�(x� 1) +D
�x2 + 1
�(x+ 1) = 1
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 18
The equation above is about two functions; the two sides must be equal for all values of x. Let us substitutex = �1 into both sides:
(Ax+B) (x+ 1) (x� 1) + C�x2 + 1
�(x� 1) +D
�x2 + 1
�(x+ 1) = 1
(A (�1) +B) ((�1) + 1) ((�1)� 1) + C�(�1)2 + 1
�((�1)� 1) +D
�(�1)2 + 1
�((�1) + 1) = 1
(�A+B) (0) (�2) + C (2) (�2) +D (2) (0) = 1
�4C = 1
C = �14
Let us substitute x = 1 into both sides:
(Ax+B) (x+ 1) (x� 1) + C�x2 + 1
�(x� 1) +D
�x2 + 1
�(x+ 1) = 1
(A (1) +B) ((1) + 1) (1� 1) + C�12 + 1
�(1� 1) +D
�12 + 1
�(1 + 1) = 1
(A+B) (2) (0) + C (2) (0) +D (2) (2) = 1
4D = 1
D =1
4
Let us substitute x = 0 into both sides and also C = �14and D =
1
4:
(Ax+B) (x+ 1) (x� 1) + C�x2 + 1
�(x� 1) +D
�x2 + 1
�(x+ 1) = 1
(A (0) +B) ((0) + 1) (0� 1) + C�02 + 1
�(0� 1) +D
�02 + 1
�(0 + 1) = 1
(B) (1) (�1) + C (1) (�1) +D (1) (1) = 1
�B � C +D = 1
�B ���14
�+1
4= 1
�B + 12
= 1
�B =1
2
B = �12
Let us substitute x = 2 into both sides and also B = �12, C = �1
4and D =
1
4:
(Ax+B) (x+ 1) (x� 1) + C�x2 + 1
�(x� 1) +D
�x2 + 1
�(x+ 1) = 1
(A (2) +B) ((2) + 1) (2� 1) + C�22 + 1
�(2� 1) +D
�22 + 1
�(2 + 1) = 1
(2A+B) (3) (1) + C (5) (1) +D (5) (3) = 1
3 (2A+B) + 5C + 15D = 1
6A+ 3B + 5C + 15D = 1
6A+ 3
��12
�+ 5
��14
�+ 15
�1
4
�= 1
6A� 32� 54+15
4= 1
6A+�6� 5 + 15
4= 1
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 19
6A+4
4= 1
6A+ 1 = 1
6A = 0
A = 0
and so A = 0, B = �12, C = �1
4, and D =
1
4.
9.Zsecx dx =
1
2ln
����1 + sinx1� sinx
����+ C = ln jsecx+ tanxj+ C = � ln jsecx� tanxj+ CSolution: Z
secx dx =
Z1
cosxdx =
Z1
cosx� cosxcosx
dx =
Zcosx
cos2 xdx =
Zcosx
1� sin2 xdx
Now let u = sinx. Then du = cosxdx.Zcosx
1� sin2 xdx =
Z1
1� sin2 xcosxdx =
Z1
1� u2 du =Z
1
(1� u) (1 + u) du
This integral can be computed by partial fractions:
A
1� u +B
1 + u=
1
1� u2
The left-hand side can be re-written
A
1� u +B
1 + u=
A (1 + u)
(1� u) (1 + u) +B (1� u)
(1 + u) (1� u) =Au+A�Bu+B
1� u2 =(A�B)u+A+B
1� u2
So we have(A�B)u+A+B
1� u2 =1
1� u2We clear the denominators by multiplication
(A�B)u+A+B = 1
The equation above is about two polynomials: they are equal to each other as functions and so they must beidentical, coe¢ cint by coe¢ cient. This gives us an equation for each coe¢ cient that forms a system of linearequations:
A�B = 0
A+B = 1
we solve this system and obtain A = B =1
2. Indeed,
1
2
�1
1 + u+
1
1� u
�=1
2
1� u+ 1 + u(1� u) (1 + u) =
1
2
2
1� u2 =1
1� u2
Now for the integral:Z1
1� u2 du =
Z1
(1� u) (1 + u) du =Z1
2
�1
1� u +1
1 + u
�du =
1
2
Z1
1� u du+1
2
Z1
1 + udu
= �12ln j1� uj+ 1
2ln j1 + uj+ C = 1
2ln j1 + uj � 1
2ln j1� uj+ C
=1
2ln j1 + sinxj � 1
2ln j1� sinxj+ C
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 20
Note the � sign inZ
1
1� u du = � ln j1� uj+C is caused by the chain rule. Aslo note that the �nal answercan be re-written in several forms:
1
2ln j1 + sinxj � 1
2ln j1� sinxj =
=1
2ln
����1 + sinx1� sinx
���� = 1
2ln
����1 + sinx1� sinx �1 + sinx
1 + sinx
���� = 1
2ln
�����(1 + sinx)21� sin2 x
����� = 1
2ln
�����(1 + sinx)2cos2 x
�����= ln
������ (1 + sinx)2
cos2 x
!1=2������ = lns(1 + sinx)2
cos2 x= ln
����1 + sinxcosx
���� = ln ���� 1
cosx+sinx
cosx
���� = ln jsecx+ tanxjSo, our result can also be presented as ln jsecx+ tanxj+ CAnother form can be obtained as shown below.
1
2ln j1 + sinxj � 1
2ln j1� sinxj =
=1
2ln
����1 + sinx1� sinx
���� = 1
2ln
����1 + sinx1� sinx �1� sinx1� sinx
���� = 1
2ln
���� 1� sin2 x(1� sinx)2
���� = 1
2ln
���� cos2 x
(1� sinx)2
����= ln
������
cos2 x
(1� sinx)2
�1=2����� = lns
cos2 x
(1� sinx)2= ln
���� cosx
1� sinx
���� = ln�������
11� sinxcosx
�������= ln
������1� sinxcosx
��1����� = ln���� 1
cosx� sinx
cosx
�����1 = � ln jsecx� tanxjSo, our result can also be presented as � ln jsecx� tanxj+ C : Actually, there are more forms possible, but
we will stop here.
10.Zcschx dx
Solution: This is an interesting application of partial fractions.Zcschx dx =
Z2
ex � e�x dx =Z
2
ex � 1
ex
dx
we now multiply both numerator and denominator by ex.Z2
ex � 1
ex
dx =
Z2ex
(ex)2 � 1dx
We proceed with a substitution: let u = ex. Then du = exdx and soZ2
(ex)2 � 1(exdx) =
Z2
u2 � 1 du
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013
Lecture Notes Partial Fractions page 21
This is now an integral we can easily compute via partial fractions. We easily decompose2
u2 � 1 as1
u� 1 �1
u+ 1Zcschx dx =
Z2
u2 � 1du =Z �
1
u� 1 �1
u+ 1
�du =
Z1
u� 1du�Z
1
u+ 1du = ln ju� 1j � ln ju+ 1j+ C
= ln jex � 1j � ln (ex + 1) + C
For more documents like this, visit our page at http://www.teaching.martahidegkuti.com and click on LectureNotes. E-mail questions or comments to [email protected].
c copyright Hidegkuti, Powell, 2012 Last revised: February 24, 2013